Cadillac F1: Manufacturing at Speed for Motorsport

The Cadillac Formula 1 Team has entered its inaugural season having received final approval to join the grid as F1’s 11th team. 

While General Motors (GM) has been manufacturing cars since 1908, the American team faces new challenges in this fast-paced and tightly regulated sport.

Nick Schaut, Design Engineer at GM Motorsports, explains: “We are operating in a space that has a lot of restraints and constrictions”

GM engineers have worked early mornings and late nights to get the car completed ahead of its debut this season. 

The team has to work under tight restrictions from the The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) to produce the components.

Cadillac F1 is using Ferrari power units while GM engines are homologated for racing use. GM are scheduled to start as a power unit supplier in 2029. 

The F1 regulations in 2026

Among many changes to Formula 1 cars in 2026 include the electrical power which skyrocketed from 120kW to 350kW, nearly 300% more. 

This coincides with the internal combustion engine (ICE) dropping from 550 kW to 400 kW. 

The cars are also now running on 100% sustainable fuel, created from non-food sources, municipal waste or atmospheric carbon capture.

High performance brake ducts

Formula 1 cars can slow from 200 mph at more than four times the force of gravity. 

The process generates massive amounts of heat that cause the brake ducts to glow orange with heat, as the system converts kinetic energy into thermal energy.

Brake disks in Formula 1 cars can regularly reach in excess of 1,300 fn. The ducts vent the cooling air from them, to ensure other components are not melted by the heat.

Chad Vermeulen, GM Motorsports Aerodynamics Surface Designer, says: “We want to make sure [the braking system] doesn’t melt itself, and that it doesn’t melt all the things adjacent to it.”

The aerodynamicists have to make sure that the brake ducts fit within strict FIA rules and the cooling requirements. Then, design and manufacturing turn the sketches and computer models into a reality. 

Aerodynamics and simulator calibration

Drivers are able to compare the real world data of how the car performs into a simulator collaboration. The simulator is based in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

In the simulator, drivers can compare real world impressions of the car to the current state of the simulator. 

By calibrating the simulator to the car’s on-track behaviour, the team can generate accurate data that informs the cars manufacturing and design process.

Anthony Heenan, Lead Engineer at GM Motorsports for Aerodynamics Innovation, says: “Success in motorsports and success in OEM car manufacturing require two separate skill sets. They are slightly different. 

“The challenge will be ensuring that the requirements of effective and high-quality motorsport activity are there, even if it conflicts with what an OEM manufacturer needs to be successful.”

The impact of manufacturing for F1

The debut of the Cadillac in a Formula 1 race was in Australia in March 2026.

Dan Towriss, CEO of Cadillac Formula 1 Team Holdings, said: “This weekend is a historic moment for the Cadillac Formula 1 Team.

“This car represents thousands of hours of relentless work across the U.S. and Europe and the commitment of hundreds of people who believe we can build something worthy of this stage. 

“Seeing the Cadillac Formula 1 Team line up for its first Grand Prix is a proud moment for all of us. In Formula 1, nothing is given. Everything is earned. This weekend is just the beginning.’’